The Reserve Bank of India on Thursday asked banks to keep open their designated tax collecting branches on March 29, 30, 31 to facilitate tax collection.

March 29 is a holiday on account of Good Friday while March 31 is Sunday. "We have been requested by the government of India and some state governments to facilitate collection and accounting of all government tax receipts for the current financial year (2012-13) up to March 31, 2013 keeping in view the likely rush of tax-payers towards the end of March 2013," RBI said in a notification.

"Accordingly, it has been decided that all agency banks shall keep the counters of their designated branches conducting government business open (full day with extended hours) on March 29, 30 and 31, 2013 to facilitate receipt of government taxes from members of public even at late hours," it said.

Meanwhile, offices of both income tax as well as of indirect taxes will remain open on March 30 and 31 to facilitate tax collection.